Archbishop Murphy High School

I miss everything about this school, especially the faculty. They were always accommodating, maintained professionalism, and disciplined in a proper manner. All of the faculty are more than knowledgeable in their fields. The facilities were amazing. (always spotless and plenty of room for all of the students) The chem labs and computer lab are top notch. The sports fields are also amazing. The curriculum in this school is very intensive and thought provoking. 7 years after attending this school, I still reminisce about attending some of my classes and playing football. The only thing I didn't miss about this school...which doesn't really say anything about the school itself... was the respect students had for each other. There was zero respect, even within their own little groups.
—Submitted by a student

Archbishop Murphy High School first and foremost has teachers with superior education and real world experience. My son, a graduating senior, had a AP Chem teacher with a doctorate. He was previously a well respected researcher. He came to teach at AMCH to inspire the next generation of leaders in science and recommended my son for a research experience through the Gates foundation which changed my sons life. My son had a science teacher for 3 classes who has a masters in mechanical engineering. His Ap Gov and Pol teacher is an attorney. The school has a pediatrician teaching biology. Try to beat that at any public school!
—Submitted by a parent

While this school has great academic programs, they teach you nothing whatsoever about the real world. There are no home econ classes in any form other than highly unrealistic theology classes. You are criticized if you do not share "catholic ideology". If you are a star athlete you get whatever you want with no consequences. If you do not come from a wealthy family that donates to the school, you get no playing time. The students here are very rude, and those that aren't are trodden upon by those that "run" the school by being disrespectful in any way they can think of. This school also prides itself on its charity, but in my four years here they only do it for their image."Operation" rice bowl is our charity fundraiser, but teachers keep tabs on what students give and ask infront of class, why if they have not given, and 'god' forbid you reply you cannot afford it. We recently did a fundraiser for the earthquake in japan, but it seemed like pulling teeth because people may give less to rice bowl make us loose the publicity of giving so much. They make charity a competition here, when you donate you win prizes and things for yourself. It is not done because its a good cause.
—Submitted by a student

Want to go to a school with a great, safe atmosphere? Archbishop Murphy is the one. Amazing school with excellent leadership. Fran Ennis, the new principal, does a great job making tough but fair decisions. Sometimes the school makes mutual decisions to "part" with students and families who just didn't buy into the strong community atmosphere which is why you see some of the spiteful comments below. But rest assured, the school's challenging education program prepares students for college very well. It also makes sure that student voices are heard and the school spirit is amazing. Almost every student that buys in to the school excels at an activity...and it isn't all about sports there. Want your student to be inspired? Send them to AMHS.
—Submitted by a teacher

AMHS is an institution of hypocrisy. We've had 3 of our children attend this school because we thought, after ready their mission statement, it would be a great place. We were duped from the beginning. Unless you're a star, hand-picked athlete you get little or no playing time in your sport. BUT if you are a star, hand-picked athlete, you have the run of the school, making and breaking your own rules and bullying with zero consequences. I have seen athletes, with LESS than a 2.0 WIAA required GPA to play any sport, get in every game regardless. I've heard hand-picked athletes swear and make rude gestures to teachers with zero consequences. But, at the same time, I've seen non-athletic students get detentions because they were walking into their class, not sitting in their seat, when the class bell rang. We will not be placing any more children in this school.

basically if you are a slacker you won't like the school. if thats so go to an easier learning environment. i can say this because my freshman, and sophomore terms where a disaster. i was averaging a 2.6 , naturally i blamed it on the school and wanted to leave. during the summer of my sophomore term I was diagnosed with adhd, since being treated i have been averaging an 3.85. i am currently enrolled in 2 AP classes and I participate in select sports and am an avid musician. its not the school its the student. p.s. - 100% of the graduating class of 2008/09 went on to college, receiving large sums of scholarship money.
—Submitted by a student

Murphy has been a disapointment for us. The football program is dying on the vine. We were very surprised at the criteria or lack there of for hiring teachers. People put their kids in private schools for different reasons, for a school that promotes christianity we have been very disapointed.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding athletics and academics. The school's teams have won a numerous quantity of state, league, and district level championships. titles. A student will find a very challenging education here with extremely qualified teachers who are more than wwilling to help. All of my teachers had at least a Masters' Degree and had a thorough knowledge of the field in which they taught. Certainly more challenging than any of the public schools in the adjacent school districts. The teachers do not babysit you at all. I have had first hand experience of being held to a higher standard multiple times. I was not babied in any form. Some would say a 'real' high school experience would include drugs, gangs, and metal detectors and police officers at every entrance. If that is your definition of 'real' then maybe this school isn't for you. This school has outstanding educators, athletics, academics, and performing arts.
—Submitted by a student

This school is an outstanding school, they work your butt of to repare you for college we need more of theses schools in our country!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

AMHS was a wonderful high school, it not only prepared me for college but gave me the tools necessary to thrive in the world today. The teachers were caring and expected more fro you challenging you to do better than you expected. There is a real sense of community at the school and i would suggest sending your child there before any public school in the area. High school is what you make of it everyone who didn't give Murphy a chance didn't like it. If your child is willing to learn, be challenged, and wants a great high school experience send them there.
—Submitted by a student

What a disappointment. Went there for all four years, had straight A's, and yet my education couldn't have been less fulfilling. AMHS offers nothing in the arts. No auto-tech, no wood shop, no home ec, no photography, and basically no other elective many of my friends enjoyed in public school. Also, the academics is not really college prep. The teachers babysit you, while in college this is obviously not the case. AMHS is hardly a 'real' high school experience. Avoid it. I'm kicking myself for having wasted my high school years there.
—Submitted by a student

I am alum of this school and loved my time as a Wildcat. Of course there will always be issues with teachers or administration. I found that with all that the main mission of the school is to prepare students for a 4 year university. They have high standards not only for academics but conduct as well. Small classes allow for one on one attention for students and the required parent involvment creates a family centered approach to education. I have seen students who struggle with classes do very well and move onto wonderful universities with scholarship opportuities. This is a wonderful school and would highly recommend it to any parent to send their child.

You should think twice before sending your kid here, especially if he or she plays a sport. Several teachers employed here should not be teachers and are poor communicators. Academics are no more challenging than at a good public school. Athletics wise, if you do not have money (or perceived money, are not on the Board of Trustees, or otherwise try to run this school - your son or daughter will suffer in sports, not matter whether they have talent or not. Coaches are hired by people on the Board who have kids playing in sports. If the kid doesn't play during the season or the sport doesn't go well, well, you guessed it - the coach is gone. Look around and choose another private school. We kept thinking it would get better but it hasn't. Leadership is seriously lacking and policies strangely change at the weirdest times. Avoid!
—Submitted by a parent

We could not have made a better choice for our daughter! The community is wonderful, the academics challenging and the sports programs spectacular. The school is teaching her more than just the academics. She is learning about being an outstanding leader and how to be a contributing, empathetic member of society. The school does require all of us to volunteer but that is something that has been a fiber of our family since the beginning. The staf is highly supportive and her friends are gems. AMHS is well worth the financial sacrifices. Our daughter has blossomed at AMHS and continues to deepen her Catholic faith. It truly is an amazing community! PB
—Submitted by a parent

We LOVE this school! I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering this type of education. The staff is wonderful; the education excelent.
—Submitted by a parent

Awful School, spent two years as a Student there and then switched to a nearby public school. In two years I had no interaction with the principal, saw her on campus maybe 4 times, all four times was to make speeches for parents. Staff was terrible, I had a science teacher 'resign' after 1 quarter. Get the facts, look at the turnover for teachers. This is not a consistent educational program. In two years, I learned the German language. Thats is, because nothing other than Language, science, math and history are taught. Forget any Peforming Arts, woodshop or home econ. This is the perfect school if you want your kids to be babysat. However, If you want your kids to have an education, send them somewhere else.
—Submitted by a former student

This is an outstanding High School. I was a parent there and participated because I wanted to. Our son has graduated and my wife and I are still very active in school family activities. Very family oriented school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a senior now, SO glad he went, great SATS and accepted to all colleges he has applied to so far...kudos
—Submitted by jo, a parent

Our daughter is thriving at this school. She loves her teachers. We find them responsive to our inquiries, deidicated to our daughter's succuss, and they all meet or exceed the national standards for Highly Qualified Teachers. Our daughter is earning university level (not community college level) credits while attending classes on campus at AMHS. The staff and administrators are involved in the daily activities of the school, are approachable and professional. They exemplify the school's high standard for conduct. There is a high level of parent involvement, which contributes to the outstanding success of the school's athletic and fine arts programs. Student community service requiremets are meaningful and prepare students for active rolls promoting social justice in their communities. We looked far and wide for a quality environment for our high achiever and found it at AMHS.
—Submitted by J O, a parent

Wish I had never sent my child here. Her friends are getting better education in the public school near by. Not nearly as challeneged as other schools. Dissapointed with the basketball program. I sent her here for 2 years and I switched her to a different school. She was more motivated in public school. This school acacdemic program is awful. The teachers are not decent. One or two were ok but most did not know the information on the subject they were teaching. Parents are only involved is because they have to! A terriable private school.
—Submitted by a parent